McNally Post Histon

New Head of Youth Coaching at Shrewsbury Town Bernard McNally was delighted with his team on his first day in the job as they overcame a stubborn Histon side 2-1 in the FA Youth Cup First Round at the Glassworld Stadium.

Sam Molyneux's 84th minute strike gave Town the victory after Kaimen Anderson had cancelled out The Stutes' opener to book a Second Round tie with Bristol Rovers at the Greenhous Meadow.

“It was tremendous,” said McNally.

“The players did ever so well here, they stuck to their task and it was a hard fought win.

“Histon put up some stiff opposition for us. We know we can improve on a lot of things, our ball retention needs to be better, but these are things that I've got to work on with them but I'm absolutely delighted with the effort, the commitment and togetherness that we showed tonight and hopefully we can build on this.”

After reaching Round Four of this competition last season, McNally knew Histon were going to be a tough test for his side and he was impressed with how well his young guns went about their task.

“We knew that it would be tough and we said to them in training this morning, don't expect Cup games to be easy, they're never easy, and if they are then you're very lucky.

“At least the lads they knew they were going to be in a game, and they've had to roll their sleeves up first and foremost and put their foot in. Thankfully that's what we've done and we've come away with the spoils.”

Bristol Rovers now await McNally's side in the Second Round after they overcame Camberely Town 2-1 after extra time and he is pleased that his side will get to sample the experience of walking out on home turf.

“I'm delighted for the players because it's great when you come out onto the Greenhous Meadow pitch, you're going out on your home ground and for these players it'll be great. It'll be a great experience for them, so I'm absolutely delighted with today's work.

“Some of the players have put in a great performance, so let's just hope we can move forward and progress in this cup.”